This super simple Apple Crumble is the perfect comfort food for autumn/fall. It takes 10 minutes to prepare, and best of all, you probably have most of the ingredients on hand already.

Apple Crumble is a classic British dessert. In the USA, it is called Apple Crisp. The simplicity of Apple Crumble makes it ideal for any occasion - whether you want to impress guests at a dinner party or want something warming on a chilly night.
It has all the flavours of traditional apple pie without any tedious time spent preparing dough or rolling out pastry. The apples are tossed in cinnamon, sugar and lemon juice then topped with a sweet, crunchy topping. Serve it with custard or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
If you love crumbles as much as we do, check out my tasty recipes for Blackberry & Apple Crumble, Apple & Plum Crumble, Apple & Blueberry Crumble and Rhubarb Crumble.
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Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make.
- Warm, cosy and comforting.
- The perfect Autumnal dessert.
Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients and quantities are shown in the recipe card below.
Apples - we use Granny Smith apples as they have a strong tart flavour that complements the sweet crumble topping. In the UK, Bramley apples are often used in crumbles. If you can't find them at your grocery store or farmer's market, try any variety of apples.
Cinnamon - adds a hint of spice.
Oats - for an extra crunchy topping.
Sugar - we use white sugar to toss in with the apples and brown sugar for the crumble topping.
Butter - use unsalted butter.
Flour - use plain flour, also known as all-purpose flour, in the US and Canada. You can also make it with self-raising flour if you don't have any plain flour on hand.
Lemon - squeeze lemon juice over the apples if you like the crumble filling a little moist.
Step by Step Directions
Note: This is a summary of the instructions. The full ingredients and instructions are shown in the recipe card below.
For Apple Filling
Peel, core and chop the apples into 2-3cm (¾-1") pieces and arrange in a baking dish. Add the white sugar, cinnamon, and the juice of half a lemon and stir in well.
For The Topping
Step 1. Add the flour, sugar and oats to a large bowl and stir well to combine.
Step 2. Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stovetop and pour over the flour/sugar/oats mixture.
Step 3. Mix everything until clumps form.
To Assemble and Bake
Steps 1-2. Add the crumble topping to the apple mixture and bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden and the apples are cooked underneath.
Serving Suggestions
We love our crumbles served warm from the oven with piping hot custard. You could also serve it with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh cream.
FAQs & Expert Tips
Let the crumble cool entirely on the benchtop, then cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Yes, you can. Prepare the apple filling, then refrigerate. Prepare the crumble topping, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate. Crumble the topping over the apples just before baking.
Yes, you can freeze apple crumble baked and unbaked. To freeze baked crumble, allow it to cool completely. Wrap it in freeze safe cling film to keep it airtight, then pop it into a freezer bag and label the bag with the date and contents.
To freeze the unbaked crumble, prepare the crumble in a suitable dish for baking. Wrap it in freeze safe cling film to keep it airtight, then pop it into a freezer bag and label the bag with the date and contents.
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📖 Recipe
Apple Crumble
Equipment
- 1 oval ovenproof dish measuring 22cm x 16cm and 4cm deep (9" x 6" and 1.5" deep). Or similar size.
Ingredients
For the Apple Base
- 450 g apples, (weight before peeling) peeled, cored and cut into 2-3cm (¾-1") cubes. (Approximately 3-4 apples). See note 1.
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping
- 115 g unsalted butter
- 210 g plain flour, known as all-purpose flour in the US and Canada. See note 2.
- 50 g oats, old fashioned, jumbo or rolled oats.
- 85 g brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 170°C fan / 190°C / 375°F.
For the Apple Filling
- Peel apples, then cut into 2-3cm (¾-1") cubes.
- Arrange the chopped apples into an oval ovenproof dish measuring 22cm x 16cm and 4cm deep (9" x 6" and 1.5" deep). Add the white sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice and stir well to combine.
For the Crumble Topping
- Add the flour, oats and brown sugar to a large mixing bowl and stir to combine.
- Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove, pour over the flour/sugar/oats mixture, and mix well until clumps form. (see the photo in the recipe post).
To Assemble and Bake
- Tip the crumble mixture over the apples and spread evenly with the back of a fork, lightly pressing down until there are no apples visible.
- Bake in the oven for 35-40 minutes until golden on top and the apples are soft.
- Serve hot with custard, ice cream or whipped cream.
Recipe Notes
To Store Leftovers
Let the crumble cool completely on the benchtop, then cover with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.To Make Ahead
Prepare the apple filling, then refrigerate. Prepare the crumble topping, let it cool, then cover and refrigerate. Crumble the topping over the apples just before baking.To Freeze
You can freeze apple crumble baked and unbaked. To freeze baked crumble, allow it to cool completely. Wrap it in freeze safe cling film to keep it airtight, then pop it into a freezer bag and label the bag with the date and contents. To freeze the unbaked crumble, prepare the crumble in a suitable dish for baking. Wrap it in freeze safe cling film to keep it airtight, then pop it into a freezer bag and label the bag with the date and contents.Nutrition
Nutrition: The nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with an online nutrition calculator.
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